Fiction

1 - Succulent: Chocolate Flava II by Zane
2 - Purple Panties: An Eroticanoir.com Anthology edited by Zane
3 - Blackgentlemen.com by Zane
4 - Pleasure by Eric Jerome Dickey
5 - Something On the Side by Carl Weber

Nonfiction

1 - Confessions of a Video Vixen by Karrine Steffans
2 - The Vixen Diaries by Karrine Steffans
3 - Countering the Conspiracy to Destroy Black Boys by Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu
4 - Grace After Midnight: A Memoir by Felicia Pearson and David Ritz
5 - Motivating and Preparing Black Youth for Success by Jawanza Kunjufu

Jervey Trevalon
http://authors.aalbc.com/jervey_tervalon.htm

Jervey Tervalon is the author of All the Trouble You Need, Understand This, and the Los Angeles Times bestseller Dead Above Ground. An award-winning poet, screenwriter, and dramatist, Jervey was born in New Orleans, raised in Los Angeles, and now lives in Altadena, California, with his wife and two daughters.

Carleen Brice
http://authors.aalbc.com/carleen_brice.htm

Carleen Brice is author of the books Orange Mint and Honey (Ballantine, 2008) and Lead Me Home: An African American's Guide Through the Grief Journey (HarperCollins). She is also editor of the anthology Age Ain�t Nothing but a Number: Black Women Explore Midlife (Beacon Press, Souvenir Press). Her book Walk Tall: Affirmations for People of Color sold over 100,000 copies and was in print with traditional publishers for 10 years. It is now available from iUniverse. She is a two-time finalist for the Colorado Book Award in nonfiction (for Lead Me Home and Age Ain't Nothing but a Number).

Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, Jr.
http://authors.aalbc.com/jeremiah_wright.htm

Long before Jeremiah Wright gained the media spotlight in a all too public dispute with Barack Obama, he was an accomplish author. Wright. became Pastor of Trinity United Church of Christ (TUCC) on March 1, 1972.  Since 1972, under Dr. Wright's leadership, the membership of Trinity United Church of Christ grew from 87 members; and currently exceeds 6,000! The membership continues to grow numerically and spiritually with large numbers of members tithing, studying in bible classes and serving in over 70 ministries offered to enhance the Christian journey.

Shannon Holmes
http://authors.aalbc.com/shannon_holmes.htm

Shannon Holmes, "The King of Hip-Hop Literature", was born and raised in New York City's most northern borough; the Bronx. Holmes� entrance into the literary world was anything but ordinary. Armed only with a G.E.D. and the desire to change his life, Mr. Holmes crafted his first novel and signed his first literary contract from prison, while serving a five year sentence for various drug convictions.  Holmes achieved success with his first novel, B-more Careful, which has gone on to sell a half a million copies to date.

Bernice L. McFadden, (Alter Ego: Geneva Holliday)
http://authors.aalbc.com/bernicemcfadden.htm

Bernice L. McFadden was born, raised and currently lives in Brooklyn, New York. She is the eldest of four children and the mother of one daughter, R'yane Azsa. McFadden is the author of several novels including the national bestsellers, Sugar, The Warmest December, and the sequel to Sugar, entitled This Bitter Earth. Bernice was awarded the Zora Neale Hurston Society Award.

Saint Solomon
http://authors.aalbc.com/saint_solomon.htm

Saint Solomon writes with the wisdom of a man thrice his age. Uncle Sam's Nieces & Nephews is one of the few publications that is required reading in my household. �Leroy Baylor, Host of "Books that Matter" Harlem, New York WHCR, 90.3 FM.

Sinking Saints: Ten Reasons Why Judgment Must Begin In The House of God � Book Review
http://reviews.aalbc.com/sinking_saints.htm

Sinking Saints is going to anger many church people. �A lotta of hit dogs are gonna holler� to quote an old folk's saying. There is truth in Etta B. Harbin's book and many true Christians will take heed and agree that the Church has become too lax, turning a blind eye to sin and coming too close to acceptance of sinful ways.

Written in a �let me tell you something� style, the author took care in choosing her wording, touching on almost every aspect of the Christian church with clarity. In my opinion, Sinking Saints has earned a place on the bookshelf of every Christian home.

Breaking Free: My Life with Dissociative Identity Disorder by Herschel Walker - Book Review
http://reviews.aalbc.com/breaking_free.htm

In 1982, Herschel Walker won the Heisman Trophy for being the best college football player in the country while only a junior at the University of Georgia. The gifted running back then left school early to turn pro, going on to enjoy gridiron greatness during a 15-year career, first in the fledgling USFL, and then in the NFL.

What neither Herschel or anyone else around him knew, however, was that he�d been suffering since childhood from Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), what is commonly referred to in layman's terms as multiple personalities. With 20-20 hindsight, this helps explains how he could be so brutally violent on the football field, yet behave like a pussycat away from the game.

Shadows of the Blues by Whitney J. Leblanc
http://reviews.aalbc.com/shadows_of_the_blues.htm

In Whitney J. Leblanc's sequel to Blues in the Wind, readers are introduced to the lives of the Ferguson and Broussard families. The patriarch, an educator named Phillip, lives with the history of being brutally beaten when trying to vote, the guilt of loving his college sweetheart more than his own wife, and the fact that their affair may have driven his wife Martha to an asylum. Meanwhile Martha, who is Creole and no saint herself, displays an acerbic personality and a clear hatred of dark-skinned blacks. The novel is catapulted into excitement when Martha reveals to her bluesman brother during a confused mental state her sinful and criminal secrets of the past. When we meet Phillip's and Martha's extended family during a holiday visit, the story grows even more intriguing.  

Shadows of the Blues is a page turner worth buying, reading, and simply enjoying.  �Emanuel Carpenter

Grandpa! Tell Us a Story: Drinking From Ancient Wells by Orchester Benjamin � Book Review
http://reviews.aalbc.com/grandpa_tell_us_a_story.htm

"He tells an intriguing tale of learned values and humility. As he grew older, he wanted to be a part of the popular crowd known as the Village kids (who so happened to be the ones who got in the most trouble). Even though he is guided throughout his life by his African ancestors, Priest Sowa and Priestess Mabole, it's the influence of the Village kids and the motivation to become a street hustler later in life that sends his life down a slippery slope of cocaine dealing, addiction, and incarceration. "

Video - Highlights from the Self-Publishing Symposium 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxS7xjOGUhs

Aspicomm Media hosted the 3rd Self-publishing Symposium at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, in Harlem NY, on March 9th.

The event's primary focus is to help educate individuals on the business of publishing.  Attendees have the opportunity to network with several authors who have both self-published and have been published my major publishers.  This highlight video includes authors Karen E. Quinones Miller, Relentless Aaron, Gloria Mallette, William Fredrick Cooper, Richard Jeanty, plus a slew of other industry professionals.

Video - AALBC.com 10 Anniversary Celebration
http://www.aalbc.com/blog

"Presented To TROY JOHNSON In Appreciation For Your Dedication, Professionalism, Guidance, And Integrity In the Publishing Industry Thanks You AALBC.com For 10 Powerful Years Of Supporting Black Books. From Your Colleagues In The Publishing Industry 2008"

This is the inscription on a plaque presented to AALBC.com Founder, Troy Johnson, at the Hue-Man Bookstore & Cafe, in Harlem, on May 2nd.  He was deeply touched and completely blown away by the tribute for three reasons; (1) It was a complete surprise to him; (2) It was one of the purest shows of respect, appreciation, and love that he could image; and (3) the tribute was given not driven by an organization, but by individuals, Esther Armah, Linda Duggins, Renee Flagler and Rosalind McLymont.

War Dance - DVD Examines Drive to Dance in the Midst of Ugandan Civil War
http://reviews.aalbc.com/war_dance.htm

In much the way that Amandla! (2002) paid tribute to the freedom songs that helped inspire black South Africans topple the oppressive Apartheid regime, War Dance is a documentary about how the children of Uganda have turned to music and dance to take their minds off the intractable civil war which has ravaged the divided African nation for close to 20 years.

Directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix, this emotionally-engaging testament to the indomitability of the human spirit specifically focuses on the dreams of a trio of orphans living in a refugee camp near the Northern border. The kids, Dominic and Nancy, both 14, and Rose, 13, all wish to participate in the annual National Music Competition being staged in the country's capital, Kampala. [nominated for a 2008 Oscar, Best Documentary]

The Souls of Black Girls - Provocative Documentary Examines Image of Black Females Propagated by the Media - Film Review
http://aalbc.com/reviews/the_souls_of_black_girls.htm

Why have African-American women become so maligned by popular culture that we have a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, Karen Hunter, writing a best seller seriously posing the question, �Are black women necessary?� And how has this shocking state of affairs affected the psyches of the sisters of the Hip-Hop Generation shaped during the dominance of gangsta� rap, an age marked by misogyny and an embracing of a European standard of beauty?

These are the questions posed by The Souls of Black Girls, a provocative documentary which suggests that African-American females are suffering from a form of self-image disorder.

The Pact - DVD Review
http://reviews.aalbc.com/the_pact.htm

Rameck Hunt, Sampson Davis and George Jenkins grew up in a Newark ghetto where only about 3% of the kids went on to college. And their own prospects probably weren�t any better, given that they were each raised by a single mom in a broken home in a neighborhood blighted by gang violence, drugs, poverty, unemployment and crime.

Yet, this enterprising trio of best friends had the wherewithal to sense that a ticket out of their bleak surroundings might only be an education away. So, before the streets could gobble up their future, they made a mutual pact, promising to support each other in their shared dream of becoming doctors.

Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is� (Season Two) - DVD Review
http://reviews.aalbc.com/keyshia_cole_the_way_it_is.htm 

Picture a cross between The Beverly Hillbillies and Jerry Spitzer and you have a good idea of what to expect from Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is, the highest rated series on the BET Network. The popular reality show offers viewers an unblinking look inside the dysfunctional family life of Keyshia Cole, the Grammy-nominated R&B diva who burst on the scene in 2005 with her platinum-selling debut album, also entitled The Way It Is.

There's a reason why this TV program is #1 with viewers, namely, it appeals to an even lower common denominator than I Love New York and The Flavor of Love combined. The only reason to watch this jaw-dropping train wreck is if you enjoy laughing at trashy nouveau riche putting on airs while making absolute fools of themselves.

Zo� Saldana - The Blackout/Vantage Point Interview
http://reviews.aalbc.com/zoe_saldana.htm

Zo� Yadira Zalda�a Nazario was born in New Jersey on June 19, 1978, and raised in Queens till her father died in a car accident when she was ten. At that point, her immigrant mother moved the family back to the Dominican Republic where Zoe enrolled in an elite ballet academy.

She returned to America for her junior year of high school, which is when she developed an interest in acting, although she also had to take a part-time job at Burger King. After making a well-received screen debut in a Center Stage, a ballet-driven ensemble drama, Zoe landed lead roles opposite the likes of Kirsten Dunst in Get Over It, Britney Spears in Crossroads, Nick Cannon in Drumline, Tom Hanks in The Terminal, Johnny Depp in Pirates of the Caribbean and Bernie Mac in Guess Who.  Here, the rising young star shares her thoughts about Blackout

Vivica Anjanetta Fox - The Cover/Three Can Play That Game Interview
http://reviews.aalbc.com/vivica_a_fox.htm

The beguiling vixen has been picked as one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World (1997), one of the 10 Sexiest Women by Black Men Magazine (2001), and one of the 40 Hottest Hotties over 40 by VH1 (2005). Here, she talks about her two latest pictures, The Cover, a drama about brothers on the down-low, coming to DVD on 5/13, and Three Can Play That Game, a sequel to her hit battle-of-the-sexes comedy which was released on DVD earlier this year.

Justice Smith The American Gladiators Interview with Kam Williams
http://reviews.aalbc.com/justice_smith.htm

Jesse �Justice� Smith can be caught kicking butt and taking names on the revitalized, classic reality series �American Gladiators.� One of the show's most feared competitors ever, he looms at 6�8� tall while weighing-in at almost 300 lbs with 22� biceps.

Justice will also be seen in a supporting role in two independent features in 2008. One is The Mannsfield 12, a story about a dozen black inmates who go into business with their warden by bringing drugs and contraband into their prison. The second, Beyond the Ring, is based on the true story of Andre Lima, a Brazilian fighter on a mission to save his daughter's life. Justice plays Zulu, the reigning Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) champion.

Jeffrey Wright- The Blackout Interview with Kam Williams

Wright was born on December 7, 1965 in Washington, DC where he was raised by his mother, an attorney, with the help of her sister, a nurse, following the untimely death of his father when he was still a baby. After attending a prep school, Jeffrey enrolled at Amherst College, discovering his love for the stage on his way to completing work for a bachelor's degree in Political Science.

Next, he earned a scholarship to NYU's prestigious film school, but dropped out after only two months to pursue a professional acting career. In 1994, the gifted thespian won a Tony Award for his spellbinding performance as �Belize� in Tony Kushner's award-winning Broadway play �Angels in America.�

A couple of years later, Wright would enjoy his breakout role on the big screen as the title character in Basquiat. The versatile scene-stealer has since made innumerable memorable appearances, mostly as a second banana in such flicks as Shaft, Ali, Syriana, The Manchrian Candidate, Casino Royale, Lackawanna Blues and The Invasion.

Deadly Sexy by Beverly Jenkins

Jenkins' Deadly Sexy won the 2008 Emma Award for Romanic Suspense, Favorite Hero, Book Cover, and Book of the Year.  Beverly also earned Author of the Year honors during the May 3rd gala at the 2008 Romance Slam Jam.

Though her Lexus may be broken down on the California freeway, Jessi Teresa Blake is no damsel in distress. Rich, smart, and beautiful, JT, or "Lady Blake," as she is called, is one of the toughest sports agents around. She's negotiated megabucks contracts for every superstar in the business, and only the most confident of men can match wits with her. Men like Reese Anthony, the impossibly sexy trucker who gives her a lift back to Oakland.

Am I the Last Virgin?: Ten African American Reflections on Sex and Love edited by Tara Roberts
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0689804490/ref=nosim/aalbccom-20

"Black girls and women are suffering around their sexuality. The cloak of silence and suppression is damaging the expression of a beautiful and important part of ourselves. I wanted to break the silence and start a real dialogue on the subject. Have real women share real experiences so that black girls, specifically, know they are not alone and there is a way out of the confusion and shame and pain." � Tara Roberts

Hiding In Hip Hop - On The Down Low in the Entertainment Industry from Music to Hollywood by Terrance Dean
http://aalbc.com/authors/terrance_dean.htm

Hiding In Hip Hop is a heartfelt sojourn of a young man searching for self, love, and sexual identity in the most homophobic places � the black family, community, church, and Hip Hop. Dean takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster ride as he becomes romantically involved with some of Hollywood's and Hip Hop's elite, and into an underground world of down low brothers, sex parties, and love starved celebrities. Struggling to find a place for himself in a homophobic culture Dean's compelling story is one of hope, love, and in spite of everything, coming to terms with one's self and being a catalyst for change and empowerment in the game of Hip-Hop.

Barack Obama Buttons for Sale

Show our support for the campaign for change by sporting one of the many Barack Obama button for sale at CushCity.com

Cooking it up in Harlem! The 19th Annual Mount Morris Park Historic House Tour - Sunday, June 8, 2008, 11 AM � 4 PM
http://www.mmpcia.com/events.htm

Don�t miss this once-a-year chance to step inside ten much sought after townhouses of Historic Central Harlem and take a peek into one of the most popular rooms in the house�the Kitchen. The Tour Guidebook will even feature favorite recipes of the homeowners. You�re also certain to be awestruck with the abundance of restored woodwork, original stained glass windows, 12� ceilings, ornate fireplace mantles, delightful private garden oases and the 21st century homeowner's stunning interpretation of life in a 19th century brownstone.  There will be a special surprise for AALBC.com fans on this year's tour!

Exhibitors Wanted - African American Authors Pavilion - Book Expo America
http://events.aalbc.com/bookexpo_america_2008.htm

Now in it's fifth year, the 5,000-square feet of joint exhibit space showcasing African American books, authors, products and publishers is the market place for thousands of African American publishing industry professionals.   If you are interested in learning more about a wide range of exhibiting opportunities please Tony Rose at 520-568-6692 - email: amberbk@aol.com and tell him AALBC.com set you.

AALBC.com Founder, Troy Johnson will be giving a free seminar called The Real Deal on On-line Book Promotion with Ron Kavanaugh of MosaicBooks.com.  Troy will also be participating on a panel titled: State of Publishing: Literary Entrepreneurs Compare Notes on Great Ideas that Still Work AND New Ideas led by Adrienne Ingrum with Linda Gill (Kimani Press), Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati (a Leading Literary Publicist) and a children's book panel led by children's book author Irene Smalls.

National Black Book Festival, May 17-19, 2008 Houston, TX, George R. Brown Convention Center
http://www.nationalblackbookfestival.com

The National Black Book Festival (NBBF) is an annual event, sponsored jointly by Cushcity.com, the world's largest African-American retailer online, and the Houston Black Expo, the largest African-American tradeshow in the state of Texas. The event is held in conjunction with the Houston Black Expo and attracts a wide array of authors, publishers, book clubs, libraries and individual readers from the Southwest U.S. and nationwide.

AALBC.com Founder, Troy Johnson will be on the �Marketing Your Book on a Limited Budget� panel with Dana Pittman of Nia Promotions; which will take place Saturday afternoon, May 17 at 4:00 p.m.

Black Writers Reunion & Conference June 19-21, 2008 ~ Tampa, Florida
http://www.blackwriters.org/

Whatever your writing interest, this conference will help you to improve your writing, develop new skills, increase your publishing knowledge, launch and build your writing career or business, and expand your network of people who can relate to your dreams and inspire you to surpass them. Formerly dedicated solely to aspiring and published authors of fiction, poetry, creative nonfiction, and drama, the 2008 conference includes other opportunities for profitable writing including sessions on careers for writers outside of the publishing industry, how to break into those careers, develop your writing resumes and portfolios, and start your own writing businesses, to name a few.

AALBC.com is a proud sponsor of the 2008 conference

BUY AALBC.com LOGO & READ MORE MERCHANDISE
http://www.cafepress.com/aalbc

Show your support of literacy and help support AALBC.com as well by purchasing one of our high quality coffee mugs and other products.